“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Champions is about the power of personal stories to inspire.

We all stand on the shoulders of others. This is my story - and how Champions began.

In 1987, as a 19-year-old in Nottinghamshire, UK, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable family: Marina and Eddie Smith, along with their two sons, Stephen and James. Little did I know that this encounter would shape the course of my life.

The Smith family had transformed an old farmhouse into a place of reflection and education. That space would become the UK National Holocaust Centre, which opened in 1995. But their vision didn’t stop there.

A Legacy of Impact

Over the years, I witnessed and became part of an extraordinary movement:

• 1999: Aegis Trust was established, dedicated to preventing genocide
• 2004: Kigali Genocide Memorial was built, commemorating those lost in the genocide
• 2009: Aegis Peace & Values Education Curriculum launched in Rwanda and later adopted nationwide
• 2014 & beyond: The programme expanded to regions affected by violence, including the Rift Valley (Kenya), South Sudan, and the Central African Republic
• 2016: White Rose pre-loved fashion charity founded in the UK, supporting peace initiatives
• 2019: Ubumuntu Humanity Badges campaign raises over $500,000 for peace education
• 2024: The Isōko Peace Institute launched as a global resource for resilience and learning from history.

A Life-Changing Decision

My role in this deepened in 2004, when I made the life-altering decision to leave my management career in road construction to fully dedicate myself to supporting this mission.

After some 20 years of this remarkable journey, for me and my family, Champions is my desire to share this with others.

Why Champions?

Through this journey, I saw the power of human agency - the ability of individuals to shape their own future. Whether in the UK, Rwanda, or beyond, I witnessed the transformative impact of education, leadership, and resilience.